Becoming Research Active Online

Overview

Inspired by our Becoming Research Active in-person workshop, this online course consists of self-paced and live skills tutorials hosted by ARC researchers, aimed at frontline health and social care professionals. This course is designed to support those new to research in advancing their research journey, at different points in the lifecycle of their project and their career. The tutorials are focused on teaching skills needed at key stages in developing a research project, providing peer learning and expert consultation and signposting to further support and resources. NIHR ARC North Thames Academy is offering free registration to shortlisted applicants in order to support the growth of research capacity within the health and social care professional communities.

Visit the NIHR ARC North Thames Academy for more information and to apply.

Who this course is for

The course is ideal for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, public health or local government staff from NHS Trusts, NHS CCGs and Local authorities. Participants might have done a Masters level module in collecting and analysing data, or critical appraisal of research, or have helped to support research in your organisation or attended another one of our Academy courses.

This course is not aimed at academics and/or researchers.

Teaching and structure

The course will consist of three online on-demand sessions hosted on UCL Extend followed one live session which can be attended in-person or online.

Course content and learning outcomes

Online and self-paced learning 

Available on demand from 18 September - 15 November 2023

Session 1 – Why is research important?

By the end of this session, you will be able to:  
•    Identify differences between research, evaluation, quality improvement (QI) and audit
•    Identify steps in research process 
•    Evaluate your topic and what type of project it is (research, evaluation, QI) 

Session 2 – Developing your idea into a research question: searching and identifying the gaps

By the end of this session, you will be able to:  
•    Scope out existing research in your area of interest  
•    Assess whether your idea is a novel question 
•    Create your search question

Session 3 – Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and Research Permissions

By the end of this session, you will be able to:  
•    Recall steps in research process
•    Identify areas for patient and public involvement in research 
•    Apply considerations for PPI and community participation to your research project idea 

Live and group learning 

In-person on Tuesday 31 October or online on Friday 3 November 2023

Session 4 – Research design, action plans and reflection

By the end of this session, you will be able to:  
•    Define what is meant by “Research design” 
•    Apply key considerations to some research ideas
•    List key considerations for selecting a design for your study
•    Decide what your next immediate and medium-term steps are for your project 
•    Develop an action plan  

Certificates and CPD

This course will give you 12 hours of certifiable CPD. You will also receive a certificate of participation.

Course team

Dr Harpreet Sihre

Course information last modified: 4 Aug 2023, 16:03